PNG too ‘extractive dependent’

PORT MORESBY – Papua New Guinea needs to move away from its dependence on the extractive sector, a report says.

The report was presented to the government last week by the Tax Review Committee headed by Sir Nagora Bogan.

Sir Nagora said too much attention was focused on the extractive sector, causing a lack of attention on other sectors, such as agriculture and fisheries, to progress.

“If you look at the broad context of our economy, we are so over-dependent on the extractive sector,” he said.

“Agriculture is there. But in growth and expansion, we only have Ramu sugar and New Britain Palm Oil. There has not been any movement, which means something is wrong somewhere.

“We cannot make traction and harness the full potential of our fisheries, forestry, tourism and many aspects that we cannot harness properly and bring together.

“This is because we have systems that are fragmented, divisive and becoming more of an impediment.

“What is of our control is to change the systems and the frameworks and the structures that we can manage any crisis that eventuates.”

- The National